Modular system for mounting firearm accessories and method for attaching firearm accessory to firearm

ABSTRACT

A modular system for mounting firearm accessories and a method for attaching a firearm accessory to a firearm are provided. In one example, the modular system includes a first mounting member capable of receiving a firearm accessory, the first mounting member having a channel and a stopping means in the channel, a second mounting member capable of combining with the first mounting member, the second mounting member having a cavity, and a joining mechanism disposed in the channel of first mounting member and the cavity of the second mounting member for releasably combining the first mounting member with the second mounting member. The joining mechanism is rotatable about an axis parallel to the channel and perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of a firearm.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to a modular system for mounting firearm accessories and a method for attaching a firearm accessory to a firearm.

A broad range of commercially available firearm accessories are mountable onto a firearm to provide increased accuracy or broader functionality. Examples of these firearm accessories include telescopic devices, night vision devices, range finding and illuminating devices, laser devices, directed firing devices, etc. Firearm accessories are normally mounted to a firearm through a mounting device. A number of different types and configurations of mounting devices allows firearm accessories to be removed from and replaced on to the firearm. One challenge, however, is the time required to mount and dismount the firearm accessory to and from the firearm, particularly under realistic or combating conditions.

Accordingly, a need exists for a mounting arrangement that gives a firearm user the ability to easily and quickly deploy the desired firearm accessory in combat situations in a manner that is reliable and accurate with repeatable results.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a modular system for mounting firearm accessories. In one embodiment, the modular system includes a first mounting member capable of receiving a firearm accessory, a second mounting member capable of combining with first mounting member, and a joining mechanism for releasably combining first mounting member with second mounting member. The combination of the first and second mounting members and may be attached and securely fastened to a mounting site of a firearm. The first mounting member has a channel and a stopping means in the channel. The second mounting member is capable of combining with the first mounting member, the second mounting member having a cavity. The joining mechanism is disposed in the channel of first mounting member and the cavity of the second mounting member for releasably combining the first mounting member and the second mounting member, the joining mechanism comprising a column, a guiding means on an end of the column and operably coupled to the stopping means in the channel, and a grip pivotably coupled to an opposing end of the column for rotating the joining mechanism.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for attaching a firearm accessory to a firearm. The method includes providing a modular system for mounting firearm accessories. The system includes a first mounting member capable of receiving a firearm accessory, a second mounting member capable of combining with the first mounting member, and a joining mechanism for releasably combining the first mounting member with the second mounting member. The method further includes attaching the first and second mounting members to a mounting site of a firearm, joining the first and second mounting members using the joining mechanism, and attaching a firearm accessory to the first mounting member of the modular system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure is to be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a modular system for mounting firearm accessories, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary mount site of a firearm, on which a modular system of the present disclosure can be secured fastened; and

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a grip of a modular system for mounting firearm accessories, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed herein is a modular accessory mount system that interfaces a firearm accessory with a mount site of a firearm. The modular accessory mount system allows the firearm accessory to be quickly and reliably attached and re-attached to the firearm.

Referring to both FIGS. 1 and 2, in one embodiment, a modular system 100 for mounting firearm accessories includes a first mounting member 110 capable of receiving a firearm accessory, a second mounting member 120 capable of combining with first mounting member 110, and a joining mechanism 130 for releasably combining first mounting member 110 with second mounting member 120. The combination of the first and second mounting members 110 and 120 may be attached and securely fastened to a mounting site 200 of a firearm, as shown in FIG. 2. Mounting site 200 may be a dovetail rail 210 including a plurality of equally spaced sockets 220.

First mounting member 110 includes a first mounting mechanism 115 at a bottom portion thereof. First mounting mechanism 115 may be constituted by a first receiving groove 115A formed on a leg 114 of first mounting member 110, a first portion of a second receiving groove 115B, and a substantially flat surface 115C. First mounting mechanism 115 may be shaped to complimentarily engage with a substantial portion of mounting site 200 of a firearm. First mounting member 110 further includes a channel 112 formed at the bottom portion thereof. Channel 112 provides space along a transversal direction of the firearm, the transversal direction being perpendicular to a longitudinal direction 250, so as to accommodate joining mechanism 130 therein. In one embodiment, channel 112 may be formed to expose joining mechanism 130 below surface 115C, so as to allow joining mechanism 130 to be engaged with socket 220 of dovetail rail 200 when modular system 100 is attached to mounting site 200.

First mounting member 110 may include recesses 118 at an upper portion thereof for receiving a firearm accessory. In one embodiment, recesses 118 may be through holes which may form openings on surface 1150. First mounting member 110 may further include a ditch 117, which may allow a firearm accessory to properly align with modular system 100. Further, first mounting member 110 may include an aperture 119 for receiving a post 159 therein. In one embodiment, post 159 may have a threaded surface similar to that of a screw. In one embodiment, post 159 may protrude surface 115C, so as to form a stopping means to be described further below.

Second mounting member 120 includes a second mounting mechanism 124 at a bottom portion thereof. Second mounting mechanism 124 may be shaped to complimentarily engage with a remaining portion of mounting site 200. In this embodiment, second mounting mechanism 124 may constitute a second portion of a second receiving groove 115B. When first mounting member 110 is coupled with second mounting member 120, the combination of the first portion of second receiving groove 115B on first mounting member 110 and the second portion of second receiving groove 115B on second mounting member 120 forms second receiving groove 115B. When modular system 100 is attached to mounting site 200, first and second receiving grooves 115A and 115B are respectively and securely engaged with sides 200A and 200B of mounting site 200 of the firearm.

Second mounting member 120 is combinable with first mounting member 110 at a first side of first mounting member 110. When mounting system 100 is attached to a firearm, the first side of first mounting member 110 may be substantially parallel to longitudinal direction 250 of the firearm. First mounting member 110 includes a first engagement mechanism 116 at the first side. Second mounting member 120 includes a second engagement mechanism 126 at an upper portion thereof. First engagement mechanism 116 may be complimentarily coupled to second engagement mechanism 126. In this embodiment, first engagement mechanism 116 is a trench, while second engagement mechanism 126 is a ridge. In an alternative embodiment, first engagement mechanism 116 may be a ridge, while second engagement mechanism 126 may be a ridge. It is appreciated that, in other embodiments, first and second engagement mechanisms 116 and 126 may be of any shapes capable of complimentarily engaged with each other.

Second mounting member 120 further includes a cavity 122 formed at a central portion thereof. When first mounting member 110 is coupled with second mounting member, cavity 122 aligns with channel 112 so as to accommodate joining member 130 therein. In addition, second mounting member 120 includes apertures 128A and 128B for respectively receiving posts 158A and 158B therein. When posts 158A and 158B are inserted in apertures 128A and 128B, central portions of posts 158A and 158B are exposed in cavity 122, which effectively narrows the space in cavity 122.

Referring again to FIG. 1, in this embodiment, joining mechanism 13 includes a column 134 having a substantially cylindrical portion. Joining mechanism 130 may include a guiding means 136 proximate an end of the column. Joining mechanism 130 may further include a grip 140 proximate an opposing end of column 134. Joining mechanism 130 operably couples first and second mounting members 110 and 120 through insertion of joining mechanism 130 in channel 112 and cavity 122. In one embodiment, modular system 100 may include one or more washers 160 disposed proximate cavity 122, with joining mechanism 130 inserted therethrough, for providing elastic force and supporting joining mechanism 130. In another embodiment, washers 160 or other elastic means may be disposed between channel 112 and cavity 122, with joining mechanism 130 inserted therethrough, to provide restoration force when releasing second mounting member 120 from being securely coupled with first mounting member 110. Grip 140 includes an aperture 142 and a handle 144. In one embodiment, grip 140 is pivotably coupled to a connection head 135 at an end of column 130 opposing guiding means 136, by insertion of a pin 150 through aperture 142 of grip 140 and a through hole 132 at connection head 135.

Joining mechanism 130 may further include a neck portion 138 between guiding means 136 and connection head 135, and proximate connection head 135. Neck portion 138 has a diameter less than that of the cylinder portion of column 134. When combining first and second mounting members 110 and 120, joining member 130 may be inserted through cavity 122 and channel 112, with neck portion 138 aligning with cavity 122 and guiding means 136 aligning with aperture 119. Subsequently, post 159 may be inserted in aperture 119 and protrudes surface 1150 to form a stopping means, which may be engaged with guiding means 136. Further, posts 158A and 158B may be inserted through apertures 128A and 128B, such that the exposed portions of posts 158A and 158B in cavity 122 may align with neck portion 138. By rotating joining means 130, force may be transferred to first and second mounting members 110 and 120 through posts 158A, 158B, and 159 to either bring first and second mounting members 110 and 120 closer to each other, or push first and second mounting members 110 and 120 apart from each other. As a result, first and second mounting members 110 and 120 may be securely engaged with or released from each other.

In one embodiment, guiding means 130 may include a notch having a helical shape. In one embodiment, the helical shape extends on cylindrical portion 134 for an azimuth of about 180 degrees and a height of about 2-3 mm. Guiding means 130 may be engaged with the stopping means formed by the protrusion of post 159 in channel 112. Joining mechanism 130 may securely fasten first and second mounting members 110 and 1200 through engagement of guiding means 136 and the stopping means. In one embodiment, guiding means 136 and the stopping means are engaged through rotation of joining mechanism 130 via grip 140. In one embodiment, guiding means 136 and the stopping means may be securely engaged by rotating joining mechanism 130 for an angle of the azimuth of the helical notch, such as about 180 degrees. It is to be understood that, in alternative embodiments, the azimuth of the helical notch may be an angle between about 90 to 180 degrees.

Referring again to FIG. 1, in one embodiment, grip 140 may include a locking member 145 at an end of grip 140 proximate handle 144, and second mounting member 120 may include a blocking member 125 at an end of second mounting member 120. In this embodiment, when joining member 130 is rotated to an angle sufficient to securely fasten first and second mounting members 110 and 120, locking member 145 may be aligned with blocking member 125. By exerting a force at handle 144 to pivotally rotate grip 140 about pin 152, locking member 145 may be moved towards blocking member 125 and subsequently engaged with blocking member 125, so as to maintain handle 144 at a stationary position.

FIG. 3 illustrates a grip 340 of modular system 100 in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. Grip 340 includes a main body 341 having an aperture 342, a handle 344 pivotably coupled with mainbody 341 through pin 346, a locking member 345 on handle 344, and a void 347. In this embodiment, grip 140 may be pivotably coupled to connection head 135 of column 130 by insertion of pin 150 through aperture 342 of grip 340 and through hole 132 of connection head 135. When joining member 130 having grip 340 is rotated to an angle sufficient to securely fasten first and second mounting members 110 and 120, locking member 345 may be aligned with blocking member 125. By exerting a force at handle 344 to pivotally rotate grip 340 about pin 152, locking member 345 may be moved towards blocking member 125 and subsequently engaged with blocking member 125, so as to maintain handle 344 at a stationary position. Meanwhile, void 347 may be complimentarily engaged with protrusion 127 of second mounting member 120 to ensure that grip 340 is not free to rotate about an axis of column 130 after locking member 345 is engaged with blocking member 125. In one embodiment, pin 346 may be coupled with an elastic member (not shown) so as to provide a restoration force for handle 344 and to enhance the engagement of locking means 345 and blocking member 125.

In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for attaching a firearm accessory to a firearm. The method includes providing a modular system 100 for mounting firearm accessories, as shown in FIG. 1. Modular system 100 includes a first mounting member 110 capable of receiving a firearm accessory, a second mounting member 120 capable of combining with first mounting member 110, and a joining mechanism 130 for releasably combining first mounting member 110 with second mounting member 120. Joining mechanism 130 includes a column having a substantially cylindrical shape.

The method further includes attaching first and second mounting members 110 and 120 to mounting site 200 of a firearm, and joining first and second mounting members 110 and 120 using joining mechanism 130. In one embodiment, joining first and second mounting members 110 and 120 includes rotating joining mechanism 130 about an axis thereof for an angle of about 180 degrees, so as to securely fasten first and second mounting members 110 and 120. When rotating, the axis of joining mechanism 130 is substantially parallel to an upper surface of mounting site 200 of the firearm (or parallel to surface 115C) and substantially perpendicular to longitudinal direction 250 of the firearm. The method further includes attaching a firearm accessory to first mounting member 110 of modular system 100.

In view of the foregoing, it can be seen that the present disclosure provides a reliable and easy to use pivoting accessory mount for a firearm that serves to allow a firearm accessory to be quickly and reliably moved between engaged and disengaged positions. Utilizing the modular mounting system disclosed herein, these activities can be done manually without the need of tools. Further, modular system 100 can be modified to accommodate a number of different types of firearm accessories.

The modular system for mounting firearm accessories of the present disclosure are described for exemplary and illustrative purposes only. Various modifications and changes may be made to the disclosed embodiments by persons skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined in the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A modular system for mounting firearm accessories, comprising; a first mounting member capable of receiving a firearm accessory, the first mounting member having a channel and a stopping means in the channel; a second mounting member capable of combining with the first mounting member, the second mounting member having a cavity; and a joining mechanism disposed in the channel of first mounting member and the cavity of the second mounting member for releasably combining the first mounting member and the second mounting member; wherein the joining mechanism is rotatable about an axis parallel to the channel and perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of a firearm.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the joining mechanism comprises a column, a guiding means on an end of the column and operably coupled to the stopping means in the channel, and a grip pivotably coupled to an opposing end of the column for rotating the joining mechanism.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the first mounting member includes a recess at an upper portion thereof for receiving a firearm accessory.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the first mounting member includes a first mounting mechanism at a bottom portion thereof, the first mounting mechanism being shaped to complimentarily engage with a substantial portion of the mounting site of the firearm.
 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the second mounting member includes a second mounting mechanism at a bottom portion thereof, the second mounting mechanism being shaped to complimentarily engage with a remaining portion of the mounting site of the firearm.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the second mounting member is combinable with the first mounting member at a first side of the first mounting member, the first side being substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the firearm.
 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the first mounting member comprises a first engagement mechanism at the first side, and the second mounting member comprises a second engagement mechanism at an upper portion thereof, the first engagement mechanism is complimentarily attachable to the second engagement mechanism.
 8. The system of claim 7, wherein the first engagement mechanism is one of a trench and a ridge, and the second engagement mechanism is the other of a trench and a ridge.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the joining mechanism comprises a neck portion, and the second mechanism comprises one or more protrusions in the cavity, the joining mechanism being operably coupled with the second mounting member by complimentarily engaging the protrusions in the cavity with the neck portion of the joining mechanism.
 10. The system of claim 1, further comprising one or more washers disposed proximate the cavity, with the joining mechanism inserted therethrough, for supporting the joining mechanism
 11. The system of claim 1, further comprising one or more washers disposed between the channel and the cavity, with the joining mechanism inserted therethrough, for providing elastic force between the first and second mounting members.
 12. The system of claim 2, wherein the guiding means comprises a notch having a helical shape.
 13. The system of claim 2, wherein the grip comprises a locking means and the second mounting member comprises a blocking means.
 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the locking means is aligned with the blocking means when the first and second mounting members are securely fastened with each other.
 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the locking means is securely coupled with the blocking means.
 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the grip further comprises a void proximate the locking means and the second mounting member further comprises a protrusion proximate the blocking means.
 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the locking means is complimentarily engaged with the blocking means.
 18. A method for attaching a firearm accessory to a firearm, the method comprising: A) providing a modular system for mounting firearm accessories, the system comprising: a first mounting member capable of receiving a firearm accessory, a second mounting member capable of combining with the first mounting member, and a joining mechanism for releasably combining the first mounting member with the second mounting member; B) attaching the first and second mounting members to a mounting site of a firearm; and C) joining the first and second mounting members by rotating the joining mechanism about an axis perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of a firearm.
 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising D) attaching a firearm accessory to the first mounting member of the modular system.
 20. The method of claim 18, wherein rotating the joining mechanism comprises rotating the joining mechanism for an angle of approximately 180 degrees. 